Jiang Xu, Jiang Nan, Crown Prince, Jiang Lan, Tuoba Zhen, Able Consort Wu, and the Empress …… The faces of these people flashed across Li Wei Yang’s mind. She looked down and thought about how all of them just considered her an eyesore but this eyesore could possibly affect the overall situation.

  Jiang’s men had always been defending the borders so they rarely appeared publicly in the capital. With two young Jiangs here, it was enough to excite all the furens and misses. Oldest Young Master Jiang Hai’s cold appearance resembled Jiang Xu. He was talented and tall, resolute and masculine, but since he had already taken a wife, all the furens and misses were really interested in his three younger brothers. It was three instead of four because Second Young Master Jiang Yang had already been conferred a marriage, and his fiancee was the Earl of Xiang Yang’s legitimate daughter Gao Wan’er. Therefore, the Jiangs only had Third Young Master Jiang Hua, Fourth Young Master Jiang Nan, and Fifth Young Master Jiang Tian who had not been arranged marriages. The Jiangs were a meritorious aristocratic family and their sons were all very distinguished and magnificent. All the furens and misses were restless and began asking each other about them. Jiang Main Furen couldn’t bear the vexation yet she still put on a smile, hiding her pride. Yes, Jiang Main Furen had a reason to be proud because her sons were indeed talents amongst others. Compared to the princes, they were not inferior.

  Jiang Hai glanced at the female seatings across from them and then quietly voiced to his brother: “The one whose face is white and eyes are deep and serene is Li Wei Yang?” He had been away so this was the first time he had seen Li Wei Yang in person.

  Jiang Nan showed a slight smile and said: “Could there be another ten-something years-old girl that would be sitting in the second-ranked Xianzhu’s seat?”


  Jiang Hai nodded and then commented: “She has a good-looking appearance but compared to Chang Le, it’s still greatly inferior.” No matter how extraordinary a man is, he will always base his first impressions on a girl’s appearance. His tone was indicating that, with her appearance, Li Wei Yang was forcibly lookable. Of course, Jiang Hai had high tastes; not only was his wife of Han’s a striking beauty, others given to him were all beautiful women. This had shaped his tastes so his remarks towards Li Wei Yang were understandable. Of course, if Li Wei Yang were to find out, she wouldn’t appreciate his comment.

  People by Jiang Hai’s side raised their cups to him. He smilingly drank a toast in return and then whispered: “Father has said this before, don’t always go and seek trouble.”


  Jiang Nan disapprovingly stared at Li Wei Yang who was sitting across from him. He slouched his brows and said: “Eldest Brother, you are being too cautious; don’t worry, this will have nothing to do with the Jiangs!”


  Jiang Hai frowned and said: “I’ll say it one more time, don’t cause trouble.”


  Jiang Nan presumptuously smiled and said: “She has angered grandmother to the verge of sickness and you’re telling me to not cause trouble?”


  Jiang Hai showed a smile so outsiders would think he was talking jovially and in a lively manner with Jiang Nan. In actuality, he disapprovingly said: “She’s merely a small character. Father doesn’t want us to ruin the overall situation because of her.”


  Jiang Nan couldn’t help but laugh. He lifted his wine cup and said: “Eldest Brother, do you think grandmother will let me make a move myself? That’s ridiculous.” The Duke’s furen wanted to avenge Li Chang Le but she would absolutely not let Jiang Nan do it himself. No matter what, even if the Jiangs wanted to tackle Li Wei Yang, they wouldn’t dirty their own hands. Although they wanted her to disappear, naturally someone would do the work for them so they just needed to watch. This was why Jiang prepared a last humiliation for Li Wei Yang because he knew he wouldn’t have another chance to see this face ever again, how pitiful? Haha, Jiang Nan smiled happily as he stared at Li Wei Yang.

  Li Wei Yang certainly noticed his hostile expression but her expression didn’t change a bit. She was steady to the point that she didn’t seem like a young girl of her age.

  Tuoba Yu who wasn’t sitting far away was also ponderously staring at the Jiangs. He finally understood why Li Wei Yang hated them. They were indeed a bunch of talented men but that’s their business. Relying on this pride, they look at others like dust and trample over them whenever they like. This was not fun at all. He thought back to three days ago when Li Wei Yang sent Zhao Nan over to deliver news and couldn’t hold back his smile. He knew she would be making a move but he didn’t know exactly what she would do. It seemed like it would be a masterpiece.

  This place was filled with scheming and flying daggers. All types of delicacies flowed onto the table. Palace maids at each table diligently warmed the wine and arranged the dishes.

  Li Wei Yang looked around and saw Zhou Tian Shou, who was standing close to the emperor, with his hands by his sides. As for the emperor’s other favored taoist master Yin Tian Zhao, he was nowhere to be seen. She glimpsed at the nearby Li Min De and it was as if he knew what she was looking for as his expression seemed to signal her to calm down.

  “It’s rare that all my beloved subjects can gather together today. Seeing how happy and relaxed you all are, the Empress didn’t put forth her efforts in vain!” The emperor laughingly said and then turned his head to the Empress and said: “We’ve troubled the Empress.”After a period of recuperation, the Empress’s health was better than last time. Her temper had returned to her usual geniality, so she smilingly said: “Your Majesty, it’s my duty to share your burdens. Holding this banquet is also to make everyone happy!” After she finished her words, she looked at everyone and said: “Look, even the Jiang’s Oldest and Fourth Young Masters are here. I remember the first time I’d seen Fourth Young Master was when he was only four. At that time, he came into the palace with Main Furen and was causing a scene wanting to pick the peaches in the imperial garden and didn’t want to leave. With a blink of an eye, he had turned into a valiant young general!”


  The Emperor looked at Jiang Nan, his face filled with laughter: “Yes, with the Empress’ words, I remember. It’s such a pity that Ninth Princess is still young or else I would marry her off to General Wei Wu, which would be a widely approved matter!”


  Ninth Princess knew it was a joke yet her face turned cold and then she made a humph noise.

  The Empress smiled and then stared at Jiang Nan: “I have a niece from my maternal family called Yun Yun. She has a gentle appearance and is demurely virtuous. She’s perfect to be matched with General Wei Wu!”


  The Emperor’s smile become ruminating. Noble Consort Mei smilingly said: “Her Majesty, don’t forget, Old Pavilion Liu has an unmarried granddaughter whose age matches Fourth Young Master. She is good-looking and His Majesty has already promised to be the matchmaker!”


  With the Empress’ niece and Noble Consort Mei’s son Fifth Prince’s huge supporter Old Pavilion Liu’s granddaughter, these two weren’t just recommended marriage arrangements but were clearly trying to rope in the Jiangs’ support. The Emperor looked at the Empress and Noble Consort Mei before addressing Jiang Nan: “General Wei Wu, I want to ask you for your thoughts on this!”


  Jiang Nan rose and everyone’s eyes in the hall fell onto him with varying expressions. He looked at the tender Su Yun Yun and then looked at the daringly coquettish Miss Liu. He didn’t know why but he shot a glance at Li Wei Yang who was enjoying the show. He smiled and said: “Your Majesty has good intentions so how could your subject decline? It’s only that I’m good at fighting battles but not good at choosing a wife. How about Your Majesty decides, whichever miss is good then you can grant the marriage and she’ll be my wife!”


  Jiang Xu quietly rebuked: “How could you say this!” He immediately stood up, paid his respects and said: “Your Majesty, my son acted inappropriately, please forgive him.”


  The Emperor laughed aloud and said: “There’s no harm, I love his straightforward personality.” This kind of general was easier to control. Compared to the experienced and astute Duke Jiang and Jiang Xu, Jiang Nan was much more inexperienced in front of the Emperor, which made the Emperor’s mood better. He smilingly said, “How about this, let’s wait until General Wei Wu can settle down with a wife, then we’ll continue the talks. Or else with him being this impudent, it wouldn’t be good if he offends his wife!” As he spoke, he laughed. Everyone thoroughly understood and followed along in laughing. Li Wei Yang understood. The Emperor saw how each of the princes were maturing and had become more fearful. Naturally he wouldn’t let anyone gain the Jiangs’ support. As for Jiang Nan, he seemed to be muddled and rude but in actuality, he was hiding his profoundness. If he chose Su Yun Yun, he would offend Fifth Prince. If he chose Miss Liu, then he would offend the Empress and Crown Prince. It was not ideal no matter what but if he kicked this ball over to the Emperor, the result will be different. The Emperor didn’t want the Jiangs to support either side so they must maintain a neutral stance without taking any sides. If they were just normal subjects, the princes would have considered them thorns in their flesh. But the Jiangs controlled the army and had deep roots so it was difficult to complete annihilate them. As a result, the princes sought many ways to garner their support, which contributed to the Jiangs’ stability.

  Jiang Nan smilingly said: “Your Majesty, your subject was rash and ignorant. I hope Your Majesty won’t mind but this time returning from the borders, I’ve incidentally found a pair of gyrfalcons so I want to gift them to Your Majesty. Hope Your Majesty would kindly accept it.”


  The Emperor smilingly said: “Really? Quickly send it up and let me take a look.”


  In actuality, the Emperor wasn’t really that intrigued. Gyrfalcons are born and raised in the wild. They are captured by humans and then trained to be used in hunting. However, it is difficult to capture and train these birds. There have been common sayings that one would rather die than own this bird. And because gyrfalcons are difficult to capture and train, there was a rule during the previous emperor’s reign: For all criminals who have been exiled by law, if he can capture and offer up a gyrfalcon to atone for his sins, he will be released from his punishment. Therefore, many people offered money to purchase these birds in bulk. But now the Emperor already had many gyrfalcons so it wasn’t remarkable at all. He had even gifted them to his beloved subjects and princesses. For example, Princess Yong Ning’s residence had one. Back then, when Li Min De wanted to win the shooting competition, he even released one. But when the eunuch brought up the gyrfalcon, the Emperor was shocked.

  Not to mention the Emperor but everyone else was also shocked as they incredulously watched the gyrfalcons in the cage.

  Amongst the gyrfalcons and its highest quality breeds, the ones that are pure black are considered the best grade while the ones that are pure white are considered the highest grade. In his life, the best gyrfalcons that the Emperor had seen were the ones with white feathers mixed with other colored feathers. But now in front of his eyes was the pure black best grade gyrfalcon and there were two, this was really rare!

  “How rare, it’s actually a pair of high quality gyrfalcons!” The Emperor noticed the uniqueness of this pair of gyrfalcons and he laughed even more jovially.

  “Your Majesty, gyrfalcons are magical birds. Their temperaments are resolute and valiant. They are strong like a thousand pounds smashed against a rock. Their wings are fast like thunderous lightning. For the past century, this is the first sighting of this best grade gyrfalcon, it’s an auspicious sign!”


  On the side, the officials watched and busily stood up to chime in. It was as if seeing the gyrfalcons was an indication of richly endowed seas and world peace. Li Wei Yang watched mockingly as they chimed in. No matter which emperor, all loved to hear the coming of good omens. Like the previous emperor when someone gifted him a rock with a red print on it. It was said to be a red-hearted stone that represented the support of the people. The person was immediately given the title of Minister of Rites. Such a ridiculous matter happened in every dynasty and generation. Li Wei Yang watched how even her own father Li Xiao Ran also stood up to congratulate the Emperor. She couldn’t help but subtly curl her lips.

  The Empress smilingly said: “It’s certainly an auspicious sign, Heaven blessed my Da Li.”


  The Crown Prince’s face showed unrestrained content: “To find this rare quality of gyrfalcon is difficult, Jiang Nan, you are His Majesty’s meritorious subject!”


  “Yes, it’s also my first time seeing a pure black high quality gyrfalcon!” Tuoba Zhen raised his cup to toast Jiang Nan.

  Jiang Nan slightly smiled and showed a rather humble expression. He said: “It’s nothing, Crown Prince and Third Prince are overpraising me!”


  “Oh, no need to be humble!” The Crown Prince waved his hand and said, “Why don’t you talk more about the details of capturing these gyrfalcons!”


  Jiang Nan’s expression showed unrestrained glory and he said: “Answering His Highness, I didn’t capture these gyrfalcons. In fact, they knew we were returning to the capital so they flew back with our army. Incidentally, after I discovered them, both of them landed on Da Li’s flag, which was unbelievable to me!”


  The Emperor was awed by his descriptions. Whether it was real or not, this was still a huge auspicious sign, which was why the Emperor was extremely delighted and even raised his cup to toast. He said: “Jiang Xu, you have raised a great son. He even attracted a good omen to me!”


  Jiang Xu hastily spoke: “To be loyal to Your Majesty is his duty and also the Jiangs’ fortune!” Jiang Xu’s expression was incomparably humble, leaving no trace of his valiant position as a general. His respectful attitude towards the Emperor was even better than those eunuchs that served the Emperor. The Emperor was extremely pleased and specifically ordered for Jiang Nan to be bestowed with gold and jewelry.

  As Li Wei Yang watched, she suddenly smiled.

  Ninth Princess quietly asked: “Sister Wei Yang, what are you smiling at?”


  Li Wei Yang whispered: “I am, of course, smiling at how coincidentally this auspicious sign has arrived.”


  Ninth Princess completely didn’t understand but seeing that Li Wei Yang had no intentions to explain to her, she unwillingly suppressed her confusion.

  With this topic, the atmosphere of the palace banquet became much more fervent. Everyone noticed how the Jiangs were enjoying a fair reputation so they all went to flatter and fawn over them, placing the Jiangs on a pedestal. Li Wei Yang meticulously observed the Jiangs’ expressions yet couldn’t find a trace of pride, especially in Jiang Xu; his brows and eyes didn’t even move once. It was either he didn’t care about this commendation or he had other dark schemes he was trying to hide.

  Afterwards at this moment, Able Consort Wu shrieked and said: “Your Majesty, look?!”


  The Emperor took a glimpse and then stood up from his seat. This pair of magical creatures, which had been described as high quality breeds of gyrfalcon, suddenly flipped their eyes and died in the cage.

  The eunuch guarding the cage kneeled and trembled. Eunuch Xia busily rushed forward and announced: “Your Majesty …… the gyrfalcons …… the gyrfalcons are dead ……”


  The public reacted with shock. Jiang Xu’s expression changed and angrily said: “Nan’er, how did you take care of them!”


  Jiang Nan’s eyes revealed an inconceivable smile, he said: “Father, I …… I …… I also don’t know! Ever since I entered the capital, this pair of gyrfalcons were fine, how could they suddenly ——” He immediately kneeled to plead for forgiveness, “Your Majesty, your subject is at fault!”


  The Emperor’s expression was turning worse. Originally these gyrfalcons were merely birds, it’s nothing big if they died, it would just be a disappointment. But since everyone heard these were signs of good omens and now that they’ve died, didn’t that mean there would be huge trouble! Can the good omens die?! Of course not! If the good omens died, that means there will be an impending catastrophe!

  Dark clouds gathered over the Emperor’s face. The ones that said the gyrfalcons were good omens stared speechlessly at one another like mutes. A perfect silence prevailed in the hall, even the female attendees held their breaths.

  Right at this moment, a sage-like taoist priest stepped in, his voice like a great bell: “Your Majesty! This is greatly inauspicious! There is an evil spirit in the hall!”


  Everyone stared at the taoist priest with astonishment. Someone immediately recognized him, it was Taoist Yin! It was actually him who was nowhere to be seen since the start of the banquet!

  After a moment of silence, Li Wei Yang and Li Min De glanced at each other. They saw a smiling expression in each other’s eyes, it was really coming!

  Yin Tian Zhao was wearing a bayleaf crown and a eight-diagrams cloak. He looked at the Emperor with respect: “Your Majesty, do you still remember my vision last time? At that time, I used all my efforts but couldn’t find out who is the evil spirit that will harm the fortune of Da Li. Now I’ve found a way and will be able to make this person show his real self!”


  The Emperor immediately widened his eyes and said: “Really?!”


  Able Consort Wu ran her eyes across everyone and then her gaze fell onto Li Wei Yang. Even though she swept past her, her expression carried a cold smile. Li Wei Yang, don’t blame me, originally you and I didn’t have any ill feelings so I wouldn’t trouble myself to harm you. But Duke Jiang’s furen promised me if I can get rid of you, she will persuade Jiang Xu to support Tuoba Zhen! The Duke’s furen’s influence on the Jiangs was not inferior to that of Duke Jiang. Able Consort Wu and Tuoba Zhen immediately took on this gamble! Thinking about this, she smilingly said: “Your Majesty, Taoist Yin has never been wrong in his predictions. Since he said there is an evil spirit in this court, then there must be or else how could Your Majesty’s good omens die without any reason?!”


  She specifically emphasized the cause of death. Li Xiao Ran didn’t know why but the words were extremely irritating to the ear. He started feeling the rise of an ominous premonition.

  Yin Tian Zhao calmly spoke: “I have to ascend the platform and then I’ll make the evil spirit automatically reveal itself!”


  Tuoba Yu coldly watched and felt something was wrong as he continued to watch. What was the reason the gyrfalcons died without explanation? But with the appearance of this taoist priest, something fishy was going on. It seemed like he had to be extra cautious!

  The Emperor certainly allowed his request. Not only that, he even led all the officials out of the hall and stood at the spacious area below the platform as he watched Taoist Yin ascended the platform. This seating platform was four meters high and was specifically made for him to pray for the rain. Taoist Yin draped his hair over himself and then danced wildly on the platform.

  At this moment, even the female attendees curiously walked out as they watched Yin Tian Zhao on the platform and discussed.

  Li Wei Yang smirkingly watched without uttering a single word until Li Min De approached her and whispered: “In a moment, something interesting will happen.”


  Li Wei Yang slanted her head: “Everything has been prepared?”


  Li Min De smilingly replied: “My hands were itching …… so I made a small change. But I am sure you will be pleased.” His handsome face was glimmering in front of her eyes. Li Wei Yang was curious but seeing his two eyes staring at her, she lightly coughed and turned back.

  No one knew what this young lad did that he showed such a cunning expression.

  Zhou Tian Shou who was in the crowd looked towards Li Min De, awaiting for his signal. He only saw Li Min De lightly smiling as his left hand slowly dropped with his middle finger on top of his index finger. Zhou Tian Shou understood this signal and it meant the plan didn’t change and told him to follow the old plan accordingly. Zhou Tian Shou smiled inside and quietly retreated into the crowd.

  After the ceremonial bronze bells rang nine times, the ceremony began. A troop of eunuchs held a burner top to quell the candlelights. The platform was entirely dark so that the ceremony was covered by mysterious colors. Yin Tian Zhao who was on the stage, loudly voiced: “His Majesty has sincerely worshipped Heaven and didn’t dare to slack, why can’t Heaven grant Da Li timely wind and rain, grant the citizens of His Majesty a peaceful life?” At this time, dark clouds covered the skies with muffled thunder beating; it was like an impending sign of flooding rain. Moreover, Yin Tian Zhao’s body trembled greatly; it shivered without stopping. With the flying sand and rocks and cataclysmic weather, this taoist priest really seemed to be communicating with Heaven.

  Everyone who saw this extraordinary sight widened their gaze. They didn’t dare gasp for breath and only looked right at Yin Tian Zhao.

  Tuoba Zhen coldly smiled. As a second-ranked Xianzhu and the daughter of Li Xiao Ran, to topple her with one strike, he must play this scene out in front of everyone. Once the Heavens pointed out Li Wei Yang as the scourge, her days were near! If this intelligent beauty had chosen to be with him, it would have been great but she didn’t know how to appreciate favors! Tuoba Zhen greatly sympathized with her and felt a little pain in his heart. This was something besides the throne that he wanted in his life yet now he had to sacrifice her to ingratiate himself with the Jiangs …… what a pity …… as he thought of this, he gave Li Wei Yang one last glance.

  Goodbye, stubborn and intelligent young girl. Since you are not willing to aid me in winning the throne, then you will become my stepping stone to the throne!

  On the other side, Jiang Nan’s lips curled up and his face showed a cruel smile.

  At this moment, countless lightning strikes flashed across the skies. The wind outside also suddenly blew heavier as it flowed into the hall. Not only did it cause everyone to waver back and forth but also caused the windows to squeak. The veils in the hall also crazily flew up; with the sweep of the wind, a few fell down and knocked over a valuable vase into millions of pieces …… on the platform, amid the changing weather, Taoist Yin cried out: “Who is the scourge that dares to disrupt Da Li?”
——

  *****——Translator: EricaEditor: Caroll L——*****——